Regulatory pathway

As the project closure steps advance, Imperial will continue to comply with applicable conditions and requirements of its existing operating permits and closure regulatory requirements during upcoming operations, end of production, and getting the site to safe.

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Operations, end-of production, decommissioning and interim care and maintenance (IC&M) stage

With notification to the regulator, Imperial is permitted to carry out end-of-production, shut-in, decommissioning, and interim care and maintenance (IC&M) activities under existing approvals in Norman Wells. The IC&M phase is anticipated to remain in effect for several years to maintain the decommissioned facility in accordance with regulatory requirements until the NWO Closure EA (EA2526-01) is completed and abandonment and reclamation activities are permitted. Imperial plans to submit applications to the CER and SLWB later this year for the IC&M period.

With the decision to end production, Imperial has withdrawn its renewal applications with the Canada Energy Regulator and Sahtú Land and Water Board. The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board has cancelled environmental assessments related to these renewal applications. The focus will now shift fully to regulatory processes supporting closure, with details available on the public registry.

Imperial extends gratitude to the Canada Energy Regulator, Sahtú Land and Water Board, and Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, as well as all participants, for their contributions to the "renewal" regulatory process.

Closure regulatory process

Imperial self-referred to an environmental assessment (EA) for closure through the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. The EA is a public process which includes community engagement on the potential environmental impacts, how those impacts can be reduced, and what kind of monitoring should happen as the site is closed and cleaned up. Creating the final closure and reclamation plan will take approximately five to seven years. This will include all the studies, discussions, and approvals needed before the work can begin.

Interact with the timeline below to learn more about the regulatory steps that Imperial will be undertaking throughout the IC&M and closure processes.

IC&M application and submission
During IC&M, Imperial will remain on-site to continue routine activities such as well suspensions, environmental monitoring and site assessments, and site surveillance.
IC&M will include multiple community engagement activities to understand priorities, address concerns for this phase of work and submit regulatory applications that reflects community input.
Imperial anticipates the IC&M phase to continue for approximately three to five years, before moving into the larger phase of closure work.
The Socioeconomic Impact Assessment (SEIA) has begun and will help build understanding of how communities and the region may be impacted by the closure of Norman Wells Operations.

Cessation of Production (CoP) announcement
On January 30, 2026, Imperial announced it is winding down Norman Wells Operations. The decision is related specifically to Norman Wells production facilities. There are no near-term changes to the community’s bulk fuel supply that Imperial currently services.

Safe state activity outlook and IC&M engagement

Operations – February 2026
Operations – February 2026
End of production – Approximately 3-4 weeks
Decommissioning – Approximately six months
Interim care and maintenance – 2027+

Closure plan engagement and development
The process and development of the final closure and reclamation plan is expected to take between five and seven years to complete. We are taking the time to do this right by continuing to engage and involve regional communities to maximize local economic benefits associated with this work.

Closure plan filing and Phase II: Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) begins
A formal closure plan submission is expected to be completed which highlights how the site will be safely closed, decommissioned, and reclaimed after operations are finished. The ESIA will commence afterwards.